Spray mask washer



May 29, 1952 c. L lsclANl 3,036,582

SPRAY MASK WASHER Filed Oct. 20, 1958 2 Sheets-Sheet l May 29, 1962 c. LlsclANl SPRAY MASK WASHER 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Oct. 20, 1958 @dan 1 I I l I I I mm NN NN www WN MN 3,035,582 .Patented May 29, i962 e fine 3,036,532 SPRAY MASK WASEER Constantine Lisciani, Chicago, lil., assigner to rThe Protectoseal Company, Chicago, ill., a corporation of Iliinous Filed Het. 2li, 1958, Ser. No. 768,130 4 (Claims. (Cl. 134-56) The invention relates generally to a Washing device and more particularly to a device for washing spray masks and the like.

ln the use of spray masks, careful cleansing of the masks following use must be achieved to insure proper masking and etlicient spraying therewith. If masks are dirty, etc., proper results cannot be achieved.

The present invention has among its objects the production of a washer particularly for `cleaning spray masks and the like, which provides a speedy, automatic cleaning of spray masks without requiring attention on the part of the user during the washing cycle.

Another object of the invention is the production of a mask washer having the above advantages which is so designed that the masks are moved through the solvent instead of with it, as is done in present air-injection types of washing devices, the masks being moved through a predetermined cycle, which in the embodiment illustrated is circular, so that `both sides of the mask are eicierxtly cleaned, iirst on one side by liquid pressure against it and on the other side by liquid pressure against it -as the masks and hangers reverse direction to complete a cycle.

A further object of the invention is the production of such a washer which may be provided with automatic closure `means in the event of combustion and is adapted to be utilized as a unit with a drain pail and stand, the pail likewise being of fire-protective design so that lre hazards normally attendent with the use of washers of this type are completely eliminated.

A further object of the invention is the production of a washer having the above advantages which is powered by an air motor, thus eliminating electrical dangers and which is relatively small and compact as well as simple in construction, eilicient in operation and relatively inexpensive to manufacture.

Many other objects and advantages of the construction herein shown and described will be obvious to those skilled in the art from the disclosure herein given.

In the drawings, wherein like reference characters indicate like or corresponding parts:

FlG. l is a front elevational view of a mask washer embodying the present invention, with portions of the structure broken away;

FIG. 2 is a side elevational View of the washer illustrated in FIG. l;

FlG. 3 is an enlarged front elevational view of the washing tank illustrated in FIG. l, with portions of the structure broken away to show the details thereof; and

FIG. 4 is a transverse sectional View through the container taken approximately on the line i-d of FIG. 3.

The present invention contemplates the use of an eccentric member, within the solvent tank or container, from which the spray masks are adapted to be supported by hangers whereby the hanging masks are moved through an orbital path, whereby each mask is moved downwardly, upwardly and transverse `to each face of the mask, resulting in a very efficient cleansing action as the masks are moved through the solvent. Tests have indicated that such type of movement is highly superior to air injection type of washing and in addition eliminates the release of excessive solvent vapors created during operation of the latter. As a result, the masks are not only washed more thoroughly, but at the same time are washed 2 quicker and without attention during the washing cycle.

Referring to FIGS. l and 2, the reference numeral 1 generally indicates a wash tank comprising a generally rectangular shaped container 2 having a cover 3 pivotally mounted at t thereto. As illustrated in FIG. 3, the tank l comprises `front and rear walls 5 and 6, end walls 7 and 3 and a bottom 9, the tank being of generally standard rolled edge construction. The cover 3 may be provided with a peripheral llange 11 terminating at its free edge in a bead 'i12 and in like manner the upper edge of the tank may be provided with an inturned bead 13. The bottom 9 may be provided with a drain titting 14 suitably secured thereto, as for example, by riveting and soldering, and adapted to receive a drain petcock indicated generally by the numeral 15.

Rotatably mounted in the tank 1 is an eccentric shaft indicated generally by the numeral lo, having a pair of axially aligned portions 17 and 18 and a radially oiset portion 19 connected to the portions 17 and 18 by radially disposed members Ztl and 21, the respective parts being suitably secured together, as for example, by silver soldering or the like.

The member 18 is adapted to extend through an opening 22 in the side wall d and is pivotally supported in a bearing member 23 secured to an annular plate 24 which may be suitably secured to the side wall 8, as =for example, by spot welding and soldering, the' bearing member 23 being cylindrical in shape and having a bore '25 therein which is provided with a bushing 26, of a size to receive the portion 1S, the bearing member 23 being provided with an annular flange 27 which is adapted to seat on the ring plate ad, a gasket 2h being interposed therebetween, and secured by screws 29 passing through the harige 27 and threaded into the plate 24.

Positioned at the opposite side of the tank adjacent the wall 7 is an air motor indicated generally by the numeral 321, the air motor being of commercially procurable construction, the details of which form no part of the present invention. The motor 31 is provided with an air inlet 32 which may be provided with a shutoi valve S3 and an air regulating valve 34, adjustment of which is operative to control the amount of air to the motor .31 and thus the speed of the latter.

The motor 31 is provided with a laterally extending sleeve 35 which encloses the motor drive shaft 36, the latter being supported adjacent its outer end on a bearing assembly 37 illustrated as being of a ball type and the shaft 36 is provided with a bore 3S of square cross section and havinfr a cylindrical counterbore 39. The bore 38 is of a size to receive a shank 41 having a complementary cross section to that of the bore, while the counterbore 39 is of a size to receive the adjacent end of the cylindrical portion 17 of the shaft lo. The motor 31 may he mounted on the wall 7 of the tank by suitable means such as a plate 42, illustrated as being of rectangular shape, having an opening d3 therein aligned with an opening i4 in the side wall 7, the plate 42 being secured to the wall 7 `by suitable means such as spot. welding and soldering to `form a fluid tight joint. Secured to the plate d2; by a plurality of screws i5 is a similarly shaped mounting plate 46 having a tubular hub portion 47 extending outwardly therefrom, the latter in the construction illustrated being formed as a separate piece and suitably secured to the plate 4d by welding or the like. The inner diameter of the sleeve 47 is of a size to receive the free end portion of the member 35 of the motor to support the latter in the sleeve, the structure being rigidly locked together by suitable means such as a set screw i8 threaded into the sleeve 47 and adapted to engage the member 35.

As illustrated in FlG. 4, the eccentric portion 19 of the shaft 16 is adapted to receive one or more hangers indicated generally by the numeral 49, each terminating at its lower end in a hook-like portion I, and at its upper end provided with an inverted generally U-shaped portion 52 of a size vto engage the portion 19 of the shaft 16. The free end of the loop portion 52 is provided with a reversely directed curved handle portion 5.3, by means of which the hanger may be grasped, the loop portion 52 preferably being formed with the mouth of the loop slightly less in width than the diameter of the portion 19 of the shaft whereby the hanger may be snapped on the shaft, this being readily accomplished as the hangers illustrated are formed from suitable wire stock having sulficient inherent resiliency to accomplish the desired results.

In use a spray mask M is hooked on the end portion 51 of the hanger 49 which is grasped by the handle portion 53` and the hanger and mask inserted in the tank, the hanger being clipped on the eccentric portion 19 of the shaft is clearly illustrated in FIG. 4. Upon actuation of the motor 31 the shaft I6 will be rotated with the eccentric portion y19, describing a circular path about the axis of the portions 17 and 18 as indicated in dotted lines in FIG. 4, the hanger and mask depending downwardly 'from the portion I9 throughout such travel, succeeding positions of the Various elements being illustrated in dotted lines in FIG. 4. Assuming the shaft was turning clockwise as viewed in FIG. 4, it will be appreciated that the masks initially moved downwardly in the liquid, thence laterally to lthe left whereby liquid pressure will be on the' left or leading face of the mask, following which the latter will be moved upwardly and then laterally to the right with the liquid pressure then being on the opposite `face of the mask. As a result of this movement, a very eflicient and effective cleansing action on the mask is achieved. Normally the liquid level of the solvent in the tank would approximate that indicated in dotted lines in FIG. 4, whereby the mask is at all times beneath the surface of the liquid.

It will be apparent that, depending on the size of the masks involved, one large mask or a plurality of small masks may be supported from the eccentric 1.9, the latter, if desired, being provided with a series of axially spaced grooves 54 therein each of a size to receive the loop portion 52 of a hanger and thus prevent axial displacement of such hanger along the shaft. Where large masks are involved, obviously several hangers may be utilized to support the mask from the shaft.

As illustrated in FIGS. l and 2, the tank l is adapted to be supported on a stand indicated generally by the numeral 55 which is illustrated as being formed from tubing and comprising a pair of spaced U-shaped tubular members 56, the leg portions 57 of which form the legs of the stand connected at oppoiste sides by the portions Positioned between and supported by the leg structures is an upper platform 59 and a lower platform 61. The upper platform 59 is formed from sheet metal and is provided along a pair of oppositely disposed edges with generally tubular portions 62 adapted to at least partially encircle tubular brace members 63 extending between the members 56 and welded or otherwise secured at their ends to the latter. The other oppositely disposed edges of the platform y59 may be provided with downwardly extending reinforcing flanges 64 and the platform may be provided with a central opening 65 therein of a size to permit passage of the petcock therethrough as illustrated in FIG. 2.

The lower platform 6l is suitably connected to the legs 57, as for example, by suitable brace members 66 which encircle the associated leg 57 and may be suitably secured, as for example, by welding or the like to the bottom face of the platform 61, which is illustrated as being provided with downturned flanges 67 along each of the side edges thereof, thus forming a very rugged and durable structure.

Positioned below the petcock 1S and supported by the lower platform 6l is a drain pail indicated generally by the numeral 63 and illustrated as being generally cylindrical in shape, with a cylindrical side wall 69, a bottom 71 and a removable cover indicated generally by the numeral 72.

The cover 72 may be provided with a generally concave face 73, as indicated in FIG. 2, having a central opening 74 therein below which is positioned a perforated screen 7S, the latter being generally concave and having a llange 76 by means of which it may be welded or other- -wise suitably secured to the face of the cover. The perforations in the screen 75 are of a size and so spaced `that it may function as a flame arresting screen, thereby eliminating any `lire hazard with respect to solvent contained therein. To facilitate carrying of the pail 69 it may be provided with a suitable bail 77 and handle 78.

To remove any re hazard with respect to the contents of the tank 2, the cover 3 may be of a self-closing type whereby, in the event of combustion of the contents of the tank, the cover will automatically close to extinguish vthe same. Any suitable type of construction may be employed for this purpose, as for example, one similar to that illustrated in Patent No. 2,668,549, issued on February 9, 1954, to W. H. Lebas or No. 2,732,972, issued on January 31, 1956, to R. I. Anschicks.

In the construction illustrated, the cover is prevented by a stop member 79 from swinging beyond dead center in an open position so that the cover would normally tend to fall to a closed position under the action of gravity. The cover may Ibe retained in an open position by means of a resilient member S1 and a fusible link 82 which holds the resilient element 81 in such a position that it may function to maintain the cover in an open position. However, in the event the contents of the tank are set ablaze, the link 82 will fuse, permitting the member 8l to be operatively disconnected therefrom and resulting in the cover 3 falling by gravity to a closed position.

In normal operation of the device, the tank is Iilled to the desired level with solvent and as spray masks are used, they may be placed in the tank and supported by one of the hangers 49, while a clean mask is employed. By utilizing a plurality of masks, the latter may be continuously rotated in use, a dirty mask being inserted in the container and a clean one taken therefrom. Between insertion `and removal of the mask, the motor 3l is actuated, resulting in a thorough cleansing of the mask or masks positioned in the tank. 'I'he speed of rotation of the shaft 16 may be readily controlled by adjustment of the knob 34 to the optimum speed for etfective cleaning under any particular conditions, following which the motor may be controlled by the valve 33.

When it is desired to empty the tank, the petcock 15 may be opened, permitting the contents of the tank to llow into the drain pail 69 which may then be removed for disposal of the contents thereof.

It will be noted from the above disclosure, that I have provided a very simple yet elective washer for spray masks and the like which is designed to provide a very effective cleansing movement of the masks in the solvent, requires no attention during the washing cycle, and which is completely safe with respect to fire hazards.

Having thus described my invention, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the disclosure herein given that various immaterial modilcations may be made in the same without departing from the spirit of my invention, hence I do not wish to be understood as limiting myself to the exact form, construction, arrangement and combination of parts herein shown and described or uses mentioned.

I claim:

1. A safety automatic washer for washing spray masks and the like in llammable liquids, comprising a ilammable liquid container, an eccentric crankshaft horizontally positioned and extending axially between and operatively supported for rotary movement on opposite side walls of said container, said crankshaft being rotatable wholly within said container, a movable cover member for said container, heat-fusible means including a resilient member operatively engaging a rear upper edge of said flammable liquid container and a fusible link operatively associated with said cover and said resilient member at the inner side of the cover operative to normally maintain said cover in an open position less than 90 lfrom the vertical so that fusing of said fusible link is operable to release said cover for gravity actuated movement to a closed position, said crankshaft including a longitudinally extending eccentric portion and having its axis and said eccentric portion positioned at all operative positions above the normal liquid leve-l of flammable liquid to be used in the flammable liquid container, said eccentric portion formed with axially spaced annular grooves, a detachable hanger including complementally formed loop means formed at one end for detachable and operative engagement with one of the annular grooves of the eccentric portion of the crank shaft for support therefrom during rotation thereof, a handle por-tion contiguous to said loop portion for detaching and attaching the detachable hanger by said loop to said one of the annular grooves, said hanger having means at its opposite end for engagement with a spray mask whereby the latter may be supported thereby, said hanger being of a length to position its lower end below the normal liquid level in the flammable liquid container throughout travel of said detachable hanger as the crankshaft is rotated, a spark free air motor operatively mounted on a wall of said flammable liquid container at the exterior thereof and operatively connected to said crankshaft for rotating thereof, whereby the spray mask is moved with an orbital movement, and with said crankshaft rotating clockwise the spray mask moves initially downward in :the flammable liquid, thence laterally to the left so that liquid pressure is on the leading face of the spray mask, following which the spray mask is moved upwardly and laterally to the right with the liquid pressure then being on the opposite face of the spray mask.

2. A safety automatic washer as defined in claim 1, including a plurality of detachable hangers, each of said detachable hangers for operatively supporting a spray mask on said eccentric portion of said crankshaft, and each of said detachable hangers having the complementally formed loop means thereof complementally formed to each of said annular grooves of the eccentric portion of the crankshaft, whereby each detachable hanger may be attached to and detached from its respective annular groove by thel handle portion of each of said detachable hangers so that each of said spray masks is moved with said orbital movement through said flammable liquid for cleaning in the aforesaid predetermined clockwise rotary cleaning movement of said crankshaft.

3. A safety automatic washer as defined in claim 1, including a stand for said flammable liquid container, said stand including a platform positioned directly -below the flammable liquid container supported thereby, a drain pail positioned on said lower platform `beneath said container, said flammable liquid container including a drain valve in the bottom thereof operative to discharge the contents of the flammable liquid container into said drain pail, a cover on said drain pail formed with a concave surface, said cover provided with an opening in said concave surface and aligned with the drain valve of said flammable liquid container through which the flammable liquid therefrom may pass into the pail, and including a perforated fire protective screen extending across said opening.

4. A safety automatic washer as defined in claim 1, wherein said spray mask lis wholly immersed within the flammable liquid during the orbital movement through said flammable liquid for cleaning in the aforesaid predetermined clockwise rotary cleaning movement of said crankshaft.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 395,195 Weldon lDec. 25, 1883 1,018,567 Johnson Feb. 27, 1912 1,213,685 Owens Jan. 23, 1917 1,605,021 Barker Nov. 2, 1926 1,657,310 Maggio Ian. 24, 1928 1,738,412 Williams Dec. 3, 1929 1,804,331 Freund May 5, 1931 1,873,004 Meinig Aug. 23, 1932 2,573,128 Cavicchioli Oct. 30, 1951 2,592,117 Chadwick Apr. 8, 1952 2,592,857 Chadwick Apr. 15, 1952 2,653,617 Zaber Sept. 29, 1953 2,696,216 Meyer Dec. 7, 1954 2,716,990 Katz Sept. 6, 1955 

